Chiropractic Treatment for Chronic Rhinosinusitis?

4 Dec

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa
lasting twelve weeks or more, characterized by at least two of the following symptoms: nasal
congestion, facial pressure or pain, reduced sense of smell, and/or nasal discharge. It’s estimated that
about 1 in 10 adults worldwide are affected, though prevalence may be higher in some regions due to
genetic, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to persistent inflammation of the nasal
and sinus lining.
Contributing factors can include allergic or environmental irritants—from household
allergens to air pollution—structural issues such as a deviated nasal septum, enlarged turbinates, or
nasal polyps that obstruct sinus drainage, recurrent infections, immune dysfunction, asthma, and even
gastroesophageal reflux. It’s highly likely that two or more of these are present in a patient, making
each case somewhat unique and often requiring a tailored, multidisciplinary approach to resolve
symptoms.
Standard treatment usually starts with intranasal corticosteroids and nasal saline irrigation,
with the option of adding antibiotics, systemic steroids, antihistamines, decongestants, or leukotriene
modifiers. The data show that up to 90% of chronic rhinosinusitis patients without nasal polyps
respond to this approach, though the success rate falls to 50–70% in the presence of nasal polyps. For
the 10–20% who don’t respond to conventional treatment, the patient may receive referral to see if
they are a candidate for functional endoscopic sinus surgery aimed at enlarging the sinuses to restore
proper drainage and ventilation.
For patients who don’t tolerate certain medications, wish to avoid surgery, or continue to
experience symptoms even after undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery, there is limited
evidence that some hands-on therapies provided by chiropractors may be of benefit. A 2024
systematic review reported that manual therapies—including cervical soft tissue manipulation,
cervical myofascial release, cervical high-velocity/low-amplitude thrust manipulation (HVLA-TM),
thoracic muscle energy, scapular release, thoracic HVLA-TM, cranial techniques, and lymphatic
drainage—may help reduce head and neck congestion, improve lymphatic and venous outflow,
normalize autonomic tone, enhance respiratory mechanics and immune function, and decrease
perceived facial pressure and headache.
While chiropractors in most jurisdictions are recognized as portal-of-entry healthcare
providers—meaning patients can see them directly without referral—chronic rhinosinusitis may, in
some regions, fall outside the direct chiropractic scope of practice. In such cases, co-management
with the patient’s physician is advised, and chiropractic care should be provided on an adjunctive
basis consistent with local regulations.
Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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Risk Factors for Postpartum Low Back Pain

1 Dec

It’s estimated that as many as 50–70% of new mothers experience low back pain and
related disability, which can hinder their ability to carry out daily activities such as household
chores, self-care, and meeting the physical demands of infant care—including feeding, lifting,
and carrying. When severe enough, these physical limitations can contribute to stress, anxiety,
and postpartum depression, further interfering with the mother’s ability to bond with her
newborn and diminishing her overall quality of life. What are the underlying causes of
postpartum low back pain?
Interestingly, some risk factors may be present even before conception. Research
suggests that being overweight or obese, physically inactive, or exposed to occupational risk
factors such as whole-body vibration, poor ergonomics, and frequent lifting can set the stage for
low back pain both during pregnancy and after delivery. Women with a prior history of low back
pain are also at elevated risk for symptoms during and following pregnancy.
As the baby grows, the center of mass shifts forward in the body. To compensate, the
pelvis tilts anteriorly and the lumbar spine increases in lordosis, placing added stress on the
lumbar intervertebral disks and facet joints. The stretching of the abdominal muscles can reduce
spinal stability, while hormonal changes that prepare the pelvis for childbirth can increase joint
laxity, further affecting stability in the lower spine and pelvic region. To compound these effects,
expectant mothers may experience fluid retention, deconditioning from reduced activity, sleep
positions that strain the lower back, and psychosocial factors such as stress and anxiety that
heighten pain perception.
Childbirth itself can also contribute to postpartum low back pain. The physical effort of
pushing during delivery can strain the lower back, and the hormonal changes that allow for
ligamentous laxity during pregnancy may persist afterward, leaving the spine more susceptible to
mechanical stress. In cases of cesarean delivery, factors such as spinal anesthesia, post-surgical
immobilization, and prolonged bedrest can further delay recovery and exacerbate pain.
Unfortunately, it’s a common misconception that postpartum low back pain will simply
resolve on its own. In reality, studies suggest that up to 1 in 5 new mothers with low back pain
will develop chronic symptoms lasting a year or longer. While some risk factors for postpartum
low back pain are beyond a woman’s control, others—such as maintaining an active lifestyle,
avoiding prolonged inactivity, and seeking chiropractic care to help restore proper joint motion
and function in the lumbar spine during and after pregnancy—can play a key role in prevention
and recovery.
Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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Move More for a Longer, Healthier Life

20 Nov

As we age, we often shift our focus toward healthy lifestyle habits not just to extend life, but to preserve independence and remain free of chronic disease and disability well into later years. While maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, and tracking lab values are all important, a study published in October 2024 suggests that physical activity—specifically how much we move throughout the day—may be the single best predictor of longevity.

One practical way to stay active is by using an activity tracker, whether it’s a traditional pedometer or one of the newer smart watches and rings that have become popular. There is an old business adage that what gets measured gets improved, and recent studies suggest that this applies to physical activity as well. In March 2023, researchers reported that sedentary adults who wore activity trackers and received reminders about their daily steps increased their step count by an average of 5,000 per day within three months. A similar effect has been seen in children, who boosted their activity by roughly 1,500 steps a day when given a tracker of their own.

The widely quoted goal of 10,000 steps a day may have started in the 1960s as a marketing slogan for a Japanese pedometer, yet modern research suggests it is not far off as a benchmark for health. A large analysis of 57 studies led by researchers at the University of Sydney found that averaging about 7,000 steps a day was associated with a 47% reduction in the risk of premature death, along with lower risks of dementia, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Other work suggests that the longevity benefits of walking may level off at around 16,000 steps a day. For those who are sedentary, goals like 5,000, 8,000, or 10,000 daily steps may seem daunting at first, but the most important point to remember is that some movement is always better than none, and with time and consistency, more is always possible.

Daily step counts capture overall movement, but higher-intensity activity remains essential for building stronger muscles and bones, improving balance, and unlocking health benefits that everyday walking alone cannot provide. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each week, along with resistance training twice a week. Participating in sports or recreational activities is a particularly effective way to meet these goals, as they not only challenge the heart, lungs, and muscles, but also engage the mind and senses and provide valuable opportunities for social connection.

Before beginning any new fitness routine, it is important to check with your healthcare provider to ensure the activities are safe for your individual health profile. And if pain or stiffness begins to interfere with your ability to move more, a doctor of chiropractic may be able to help restore comfortable movement and reduce limitations, allowing you to progress to an active lifestyle that supports long-term health and independence.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Recovering from Whiplash

17 Nov

A whiplash neck injury occurs when the head is abruptly thrown backward and then forward. This violent motion, which happens faster than the body can brace against, can damage soft tissues—including ligaments, muscles, nerves, and disks—as well as cause bone injury or fracture with or without dislocation. Symptoms typically develop within days and may include neck pain and stiffness, reduced motion, headaches (often starting at the base of the skull), shoulder or upper back tenderness, dizziness, fatigue, tingling or numbness in the arms, and pain that worsens with movement. Each case is unique, making recovery time highly variable and difficult to predict.

By following clinical guidelines, healthcare providers can give patients the best chance for recovery. In the absence of red flags (such as fracture, dislocation, neurological compromise, or vascular injury), chiropractic care often focuses on reducing muscle spasm, pain, and inflammation; restoring mobility; encouraging activity within tolerance; and reassuring patients about recovery.

While specifics can vary depending on exam findings, patient preferences, and clinical training and experience, a multimodal treatment approach may include manual therapies including spinal manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue therapies; manual and/or mechanical cervical traction; pain reducing modalities such as electrical stim, laser therapy, pulsed electrical magnetic field, pulsed ultrasound; dry needling or acupuncture; home exercises to increase muscle strength and improve range of motion; patient education; and diet modifications or supplement recommendations.

Although most injured patients improve within several weeks, up to 50% may continue to experience pain and/or other related whiplash associated signs and symptoms at one year post injury. Investigators have initiated a number of studies to identify which patients may be at greatest risk for prolonged recovery, and though no clear rubric has been established, research suggests the following may be risk factors for chronic whiplash symptoms: older age; a history of back or neck problems (including previous whiplash); pre-existing psychological distress; higher initial pain intensity; pre-existing cervical spine osteoarthritis; and current smoking.

If progress is limited or risk factors for chronic recovery are present, a doctor of chiropractic may coordinate with the patient’s medical physician or a specialist to provide additional treatment beyond the chiropractor’s scope of care.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Chiropractic Approach for Tension-Type Headaches

13 Nov

Almost everyone will experience headaches during their lifetime, with roughly half of adults reporting at least one episode each year. While many may be transitory, some patients develop recurring or persistent headaches. The most common form is the tension-type headache (TTH), accounting for an estimated 60–70% of all chronic headache cases.

Tension-type headaches are characterized by bilateral, non-pulsatile pain of mild to moderate intensity, typically described as a tightening or pressing sensation lasting from 30 minutes to seven days. Many patients liken the pain to a band-like pressure encircling their head. Unlike migraines, TTH is not associated with nausea or vomiting, and patients can usually tolerate routine physical activity. Some may report sensitivity to either light or noise (but not both), and about 20% experience mild loss of appetite.

There is no specific diagnostic test or imaging finding for TTH. Diagnosis is based on its characteristic symptom pattern—bilateral, pressing pain not worsened by activity combined with the absence of migraine features and exclusion of secondary causes through clinical history, physical exam, and neurological assessment. If red flags are present—such as sudden severe onset, progressive worsening, systemic illness, or neurological deficits—urgent referral to an emergency department or specialist is warranted.

A 2023 study in Musculoskeletal Science & Practice found that many TTH patients also experience neck pain, limited range of motion, and impaired motor control. Palpation of trigger points in the neck muscles or upper cervical joints can often reproduce the headache pain pattern. These findings suggest cervical spine examination is an important component of evaluation, and addressing dysfunction through manual therapies—such as spinal manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue work, and neck-specific exercise—may provide benefit.

Studies have found that manual therapies applied to the cervical region to address trigger points in the muscles and restore normal movement to joints and other soft tissues can reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of tension-type headaches. However, a multimodal approach that includes modalities, therapeutic exercises, and diet and lifestyle improvements may be necessary to more effectively manage the condition.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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What Is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

10 Nov

Up to one-in-five adults experience knee pain each year, and many seek chiropractic care to find relief from both pain and disability. While knee pain can have many causes, when discomfort is concentrated on the outside of the knee in active adults, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is an important condition to consider.

The iliotibial band is a tough, fibrous band of fascia that runs from the iliac crest at the top of the pelvis down to the outer surface of the tibia just below the knee. It serves as a dynamic stabilizer of both the knee and the hip during walking and running, and research has shown that it also stores and releases elastic energy during these activities, much like a spring.

Pain from ITBS rarely begins with a single traumatic event. Instead, it typically develops after a gradual increase in running loads, such as taking on longer distances or increasing speed. The condition is estimated to account for up to 14% of all running-related injuries, but there is still debate about the exact mechanism of injury. The traditional explanation is that the band becomes irritated as it rubs back and forth over the bony prominence of the lateral femoral epicondyle as the knee bends and straightens. More recent studies, however, suggest that the band is firmly anchored to the femur and that repetitive knee motion instead compresses the soft tissues beneath it, leading to pain. A third view emphasizes the role of weak hip muscles, which reduce pelvic control and place greater strain on the ITB, creating a sprain-like overload.

Because there is no blood test or imaging procedure that can definitively diagnose iliotibial band syndrome, clinicians rely on a combination of history and physical examination while ruling out other potential causes of lateral knee pain such as meniscus injury, synovial plica syndrome, or bone stress fracture. Iliotibial band syndrome is most strongly suggested when tenderness is present directly over the lateral femoral epicondyle, when pain worsens with prolonged running, downhill activity, or stair descent, and when there is no evidence of catching, locking, or clear trauma that would indicate another problem. Findings on clinical tests such as Noble’s compression test, Ober’s test, or Renne’s test can further support the diagnosis.

Treatment of ITBS usually requires a multimodal approach. Patients often need to modify their activity levels to reduce strain on the ITB, while also addressing underlying inflammation. Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the hip and core muscles and improve posture can restore balance, while manual therapies may be used to improve the movement of joints and soft tissues. In some cases, orthotics or footwear changes are recommended to correct ankle or foot mechanics that place additional stress on the knee. As with most musculoskeletal conditions, the earlier care is initiated, the better the outcomes. With prompt attention, patients can usually expect a satisfactory recovery that allows them to return to their usual recreational and occupational activities without lingering limitations.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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